July 8, 2009

MLB: Texas 8, Los Angeles Angels 5

A three-run homer by Andruw Jones keyed a six-run fifth inning for the Texas Rangers, who went on to knock off the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 8-5 Tuesday.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia drove in a pair of runs for the Rangers, who won for the sixth time in seven games and beat the division-rival Angels for the sixth time this season.

Derek Holland (3-5) pitched two innings for the win in relief of Dustin Nippert, who made his first start after beginning the season on the disabled list with a strained back.

John Lackey (3-4) took the loss after giving up six runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. Juan Rivera hit two solo home runs for the Angels and Chone Figgins drove in a pair of runs.

Los Angeles held a 3-0 lead heading into the fifth. Lackey got the first two batters, but the next seven Rangers reached base and sent Lackey packing.

Michael Young and Josh Hamilton singled ahead of Jones, who pounced on the first pitch from Lackey to tie the score. Texas promptly loaded the bases on a double by Hank Blalock and two walks. Blalock came home on a wild pitch and Saltalamacchia drove in two more with a base hit.

Texas added two more for good measure in the eighth on a single by Elvis Andrus with two on. Vladimir Guerrero strained a muscle behind his knee fielding the ball and had to leave the game.